Patentable/Patents/US-11943647
US-11943647

User equipment measurement for cross-link interference

PublishedMarch 26, 2024
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may receive from a base station a measurement configuration signal comprising a measurement resource configuration associated with a cross-link interference signal strength measurement. The UE may perform the cross-link interference signal strength measurement for one or more UEs associated with one or more intra-frequency neighboring cells according to the measurement resource configuration, wherein the cross-link interference signal strength measurement is performed during an intra-frequency measurement gap. The UE may transmit a report of the cross-link interference signal strength measurement to the base station.

Patent Claims
16 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the measurement resource configuration comprises one or more of a reporting configuration for the cross-link interference signal strength measurement, a filtering configuration for the cross-link interference signal strength measurement, a measurement gap configuration for the cross-link interference signal strength measurement, or a quantity configuration for the cross-link interference signal strength measurement.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for managing cross-link interference signal strength measurements in cellular networks. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and configurable measurement of interference caused by cross-links between devices in dense wireless environments, such as those involving multiple base stations or user equipment (UE) devices operating in close proximity. The invention provides a method for configuring measurement resources to assess cross-link interference signal strength. The configuration includes one or more of the following: a reporting configuration that defines how and when measurement results are reported, a filtering configuration that specifies filtering parameters to process the measured interference signals, a measurement gap configuration that determines time intervals for performing measurements, and a quantity configuration that sets the number of measurements to be taken or the specific metrics to be evaluated. By allowing flexible configuration of these parameters, the method enables network operators to optimize interference assessment based on network conditions, device capabilities, and performance requirements. This improves the accuracy and efficiency of interference management, reducing signal degradation and enhancing overall network reliability. The approach is particularly useful in scenarios where multiple devices or base stations operate in overlapping frequency bands, such as in 5G and beyond networks.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the cross-link interference signal strength measurement is performed during an intra-frequency measurement gap based at least in part on the measurement gap configuration.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving signal measurements in scenarios where cross-link interference (CLI) occurs between neighboring cells operating on the same frequency. The problem addressed is the need to accurately measure CLI signal strength to optimize network performance and reduce interference, particularly in dense deployment environments where cells share the same frequency band. The method involves performing CLI signal strength measurements during intra-frequency measurement gaps, which are predefined time intervals allocated for signal assessment. The measurement gap configuration determines the timing and duration of these intervals, ensuring that CLI measurements are taken without disrupting ongoing communication. The technique leverages these gaps to sample interference levels from neighboring cells, allowing the network to adjust transmission parameters dynamically. This approach enhances signal quality and minimizes disruptions caused by CLI, improving overall network efficiency and user experience. The measurement process is synchronized with the measurement gap configuration to ensure accurate and timely CLI assessments. By integrating these measurements into existing network operations, the method provides a practical solution for managing interference in shared-frequency deployments. The technique is particularly useful in scenarios where cells are closely spaced, such as in urban or high-density areas, where CLI is more pronounced. The result is a more reliable and efficient wireless communication system with reduced interference-related performance degradation.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the triggering condition comprises one or more of a first triggering condition associated with the cross-link interference signal strength measurement falling below a low threshold or a second triggering condition associated with the cross-link interference signal strength measurement exceeding a high threshold.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to managing cross-link interference between devices operating in the same frequency band. The problem addressed is the need to dynamically adjust communication parameters to mitigate interference when signal strength measurements fall outside acceptable thresholds. The method involves monitoring cross-link interference signal strength between devices and triggering corrective actions based on predefined conditions. The triggering conditions include either the signal strength falling below a low threshold or exceeding a high threshold. When either condition is met, the system initiates adjustments such as modifying transmission power, changing frequency channels, or altering modulation schemes to reduce interference. The solution ensures reliable communication by dynamically responding to varying interference levels, preventing performance degradation in shared frequency environments. The approach is particularly useful in dense wireless networks where devices must coexist without disrupting each other's operations. The method enhances system robustness by proactively addressing interference before it causes significant disruptions.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the indication of the type of cross-link signal is received as one or more of: an explicit signal of the type of cross-link signal or an implicit indication of the type of cross-link signal.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for handling cross-link signals between network nodes. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and flexible signaling of cross-link signal types in wireless networks, particularly in scenarios involving integrated access and backhaul (IAB) or other multi-hop communication architectures. The method involves determining the type of cross-link signal being transmitted or received between network nodes. The cross-link signal type can be explicitly indicated through a direct signal or implicitly derived from other communication parameters. The explicit indication may include a dedicated control message or a field within a protocol header that specifies the signal type. The implicit indication may rely on predefined rules or context, such as the timing, frequency, or modulation scheme of the signal, to infer the type without explicit signaling. This approach allows for dynamic adaptation to different cross-link scenarios, improving efficiency and reducing overhead in wireless networks. The method ensures that network nodes can accurately identify and process cross-link signals, whether the indication is explicit or implicit, thereby enhancing reliability and performance in multi-hop communication environments. The solution is particularly useful in scenarios where backhaul and access links share the same wireless resources, requiring precise coordination between nodes.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the indicated type of cross-link interference signal strength measurement comprises one or more of a cross-link interference received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurement type or a sounding reference signal received signal received power (RSRP) measurement type.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for measuring cross-link interference signal strength between communication links. The problem addressed is the need for accurate and reliable assessment of interference caused by cross-link signals, which can degrade communication performance in dense network environments. The method involves determining the type of cross-link interference signal strength measurement to be performed. The measurement can be based on either a cross-link interference received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or a sounding reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement. RSSI provides a general indication of signal strength, while RSRP focuses on the power of reference signals, offering more precise interference assessment. The choice between these measurement types depends on the specific requirements of the communication system, such as the need for broad signal monitoring or detailed interference analysis. By implementing these measurement techniques, the system can better manage interference, optimize resource allocation, and improve overall communication reliability. The method ensures that interference is accurately quantified, enabling adaptive adjustments to mitigate its impact on network performance. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where multiple communication links operate in close proximity, such as in advanced wireless networks like 5G and beyond.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the measurement configuration signal comprises a first measurement configuration associated with the cross-link interference RSSI measurement type and a second measurement configuration associated with the sounding reference signal RSRP measurement type.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for configuring and performing measurements to mitigate cross-link interference and assess signal quality. The problem addressed involves accurately measuring interference and signal strength in environments where multiple devices share the same frequency resources, leading to potential performance degradation. The method involves generating a measurement configuration signal that includes two distinct measurement configurations. The first configuration is associated with measuring the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for cross-link interference, which helps quantify the interference level from neighboring transmissions. The second configuration is associated with measuring the reference signal received power (RSRP) of sounding reference signals, which evaluates the quality of the received signal. By separating these configurations, the system can independently assess interference and signal strength, enabling more precise adjustments to transmission parameters to optimize performance. The configurations may include parameters such as measurement timing, frequency resources, and reporting criteria, ensuring accurate and efficient measurements. This approach improves interference management and signal quality assessment in shared wireless environments.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the report of the cross-link interference signal strength measurement comprises an indication that a cross-link signal for the one or more UEs is too strong to measure or a cross-link interference signal strength measurement value associated with the cross-link signal being too strong to measure.

Plain English Translation

This technical summary describes a method for reporting cross-link interference signal strength measurements in wireless communication systems. The method addresses the challenge of accurately measuring and reporting interference levels when cross-link signals between user equipment (UEs) and base stations are too strong to measure directly. In such cases, the system generates a report indicating that the cross-link signal is too strong to measure, rather than providing an unreliable or inaccurate measurement value. This ensures that network operators and base stations receive clear and actionable information about interference conditions, enabling better resource management and interference mitigation strategies. The method may be part of a broader system for monitoring and managing interference in wireless networks, particularly in scenarios where multiple UEs operate in close proximity or share frequency resources. By distinguishing between measurable and unmeasurable interference levels, the method improves the reliability of interference reporting and supports more effective network optimization.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the report of the cross-link interference signal strength measurement is transmitted together with a serving cell measurement report.

Plain English Translation

A method for wireless communication systems addresses the challenge of accurately measuring and reporting cross-link interference (CLI) in multi-cell environments. CLI occurs when signals from neighboring cells interfere with the intended communication in a serving cell, degrading performance. The method involves measuring the strength of CLI signals at a user device and generating a report of these measurements. This CLI report is then transmitted to the network infrastructure, but unlike conventional approaches, it is combined with a serving cell measurement report. The serving cell measurement report typically includes signal strength and quality metrics of the primary cell the device is connected to. By bundling the CLI report with the serving cell report, the method reduces signaling overhead and ensures timely delivery of interference data to the network. The network can then use this combined information to optimize resource allocation, adjust transmission parameters, or implement interference mitigation techniques, such as beamforming or power control, to enhance overall system performance. The method is particularly useful in dense network deployments where CLI is a significant issue, such as in 5G and beyond networks.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the measurement resource configuration indicating the subcarrier spacing associated with a cross-link interference signal strength measurement.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for configuring measurement resources to assess cross-link interference (CLI) in scenarios where multiple cells or transmission points operate in close proximity. The problem addressed is the need to accurately measure and mitigate CLI, which can degrade performance in dense network deployments. The invention provides a solution by associating a specific subcarrier spacing with CLI signal strength measurements, enabling precise interference assessment. The method involves configuring a measurement resource that includes a subcarrier spacing parameter, which is used to determine the frequency resolution and measurement granularity for CLI detection. By selecting an appropriate subcarrier spacing, the system can distinguish between different interference sources and their impact on signal quality. This configuration allows the network to dynamically adjust transmission parameters, such as power levels or scheduling, to minimize interference effects. The measurement resource may also include additional parameters, such as measurement duration or reporting criteria, to ensure reliable CLI assessment. The invention is particularly useful in scenarios like millimeter-wave (mmWave) communications or small cell deployments, where interference management is critical for maintaining high data rates and low latency.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The UE of claim 14, wherein the measurement resource configuration comprises one or more of a reporting configuration for the cross-link interference signal strength measurement, a filtering configuration for the cross-link interference signal strength measurement, a measurement gap configuration for the cross-link interference signal strength measurement, or a quantity configuration for the cross-link interference signal strength measurement.

Plain English Translation

In wireless communication systems, particularly in scenarios involving multiple cells or base stations operating in close proximity, cross-link interference can degrade signal quality and network performance. This interference occurs when signals from one cell interfere with communications in another cell, leading to reduced data rates, dropped connections, or other service disruptions. To mitigate this issue, user equipment (UE) devices must accurately measure and report cross-link interference signal strength to enable network optimization. The invention describes a UE configured to perform cross-link interference signal strength measurements using a measurement resource configuration. This configuration includes one or more parameters that define how the UE should conduct and report these measurements. The reporting configuration specifies the format, timing, and conditions under which the UE must report the measured interference levels to the network. The filtering configuration determines how the UE processes and averages the measurements to reduce noise and improve accuracy. The measurement gap configuration defines time intervals during which the UE suspends other operations to focus on interference measurements, ensuring reliable data collection. The quantity configuration specifies the number of measurements or the duration over which measurements should be taken, allowing the network to balance measurement granularity with resource usage. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the network can optimize interference management while minimizing the impact on UE performance and battery life. This approach enhances overall network efficiency and user experience in dense deployment scenarios.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The UE of claim 17, wherein the triggering condition comprises one or more of: a first triggering condition associated with the cross-link interference signal strength measurement falling below a low threshold or a second triggering condition associated with the cross-link interference signal strength measurement exceeding a high threshold.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically addressing cross-link interference management in user equipment (UE) operating in shared spectrum environments. The problem solved involves mitigating interference between UEs communicating on overlapping or adjacent frequency bands, which can degrade signal quality and reduce network performance. The UE includes a receiver configured to measure the strength of cross-link interference signals from other UEs. The UE also includes a processor that evaluates these measurements against predefined thresholds to determine whether interference conditions warrant corrective action. The triggering conditions for such action include either the interference signal strength falling below a low threshold or exceeding a high threshold. When either condition is met, the UE may adjust its transmission parameters, switch frequency bands, or request network intervention to reduce interference. The low threshold represents a minimum acceptable interference level, while the high threshold indicates an excessive interference level that could disrupt communications. By monitoring these thresholds, the UE can dynamically adapt to changing interference conditions, ensuring reliable communication while minimizing disruptions to other devices. This approach improves spectral efficiency and coexistence in dense wireless networks.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The UE of claim 19, wherein the indication of the type of cross-link signal is received as one or more of: an explicit signal of the type of cross-link signal or an implicit indication of the type of cross-link signal.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to user equipment (UE) in a network that supports cross-link interference management (CLIM). The problem addressed is the need for UEs to efficiently determine the type of cross-link signal being transmitted or received, which is critical for managing interference in scenarios where multiple UEs operate in close proximity or overlapping frequency bands. The UE is configured to receive an indication of the type of cross-link signal, which can be either an explicit signal or an implicit indication. The explicit signal directly conveys the type of cross-link signal, such as a control message or a predefined signaling format. The implicit indication, on the other hand, relies on inferred information, such as the timing, frequency, or modulation pattern of the signal, to determine the type without direct signaling. This dual approach allows the UE to adapt its interference management strategies dynamically, improving communication reliability and efficiency in dense network environments. The UE processes the received indication to identify whether the cross-link signal is, for example, a control signal, a data signal, or a synchronization signal. Based on this identification, the UE adjusts its transmission or reception parameters to mitigate interference, such as adjusting power levels, modifying beamforming patterns, or scheduling transmissions to avoid conflicts. This adaptive behavior enhances overall network performance by reducing collisions and improving signal quality. The invention is particularly useful in scenarios involving device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) networks, or other applications where cross-link interference is a significant challenge.

Claim 21

Original Legal Text

21. The UE of claim 19, wherein the indicated type of cross-link interference signal strength measurement comprises one or more of a cross-link interference received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurement type or a sounding reference signal received signal received power (RSRP) measurement type.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to user equipment (UE) configured to measure cross-link interference signal strength in a network environment where multiple cells or nodes operate on overlapping or adjacent frequency bands. The problem addressed is the need for accurate and efficient measurement of interference caused by cross-link signals, which can degrade communication quality and performance. Cross-link interference occurs when signals from one cell or node interfere with communications in another cell or node, particularly in dense network deployments or when using shared spectrum. The UE is configured to perform cross-link interference signal strength measurements, which can include one or more types of measurements such as cross-link interference received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or sounding reference signal received power (RSRP). RSSI measurements provide an indication of the total received power from all sources, including interference, while RSRP measurements focus on the power of specific reference signals used for channel estimation. The UE may be further configured to report these measurements to the network, enabling the network to adjust transmission parameters, allocate resources, or implement interference mitigation techniques to improve overall system performance. The measurements can be used to assess the impact of cross-link interference and optimize network operations in dynamic environments.

Claim 22

Original Legal Text

22. The UE of claim 21, wherein the measurement configuration signal comprises a first measurement configuration associated with the cross-link interference RSSI measurement type and a second measurement configuration associated with the sounding reference signal RSRP measurement type.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to user equipment (UE) configured to perform interference and signal quality measurements in a multi-link environment. The problem addressed is the need for UEs to accurately measure both cross-link interference and reference signal strength in heterogeneous networks where multiple communication links may coexist. The UE receives a measurement configuration signal that includes distinct parameters for two types of measurements: cross-link interference RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) and sounding reference signal RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power). The first measurement configuration specifies how the UE should measure interference from adjacent links, while the second configuration defines the parameters for assessing the quality of reference signals. This dual-configuration approach allows the UE to independently optimize each measurement type, improving overall network performance by reducing interference and ensuring reliable signal quality assessments. The invention enables more efficient resource allocation and interference management in dense wireless networks.

Claim 23

Original Legal Text

23. The UE of claim 14, wherein the report of the cross-link interference signal strength measurement comprises an indication that a cross-link signal for the one or more UEs is too strong to measure or a cross-link interference signal strength measurement value associated with the cross-link signal being too strong to measure.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically addressing cross-link interference in scenarios where user equipment (UE) devices communicate with multiple base stations or access points. The problem being solved is the difficulty in accurately measuring cross-link interference signal strength when the signal is too strong, leading to unreliable or unmeasurable interference assessments. The invention describes a user equipment (UE) device configured to report cross-link interference signal strength measurements to a network. The UE includes a receiver to detect cross-link signals from other UEs operating in the same or adjacent frequency bands. The UE also includes a processor to determine whether the cross-link signal is too strong to measure accurately. If the signal is too strong, the UE generates a report indicating either that the cross-link signal is unmeasurable or provides a specific measurement value representing the excessive signal strength. This report is then transmitted to the network for interference management. The UE may also include a transmitter to send the report to a base station or network controller, which uses the information to adjust transmission parameters, allocate resources, or mitigate interference. The invention ensures that even when cross-link signals are too strong to measure conventionally, the network receives meaningful data to improve communication reliability and efficiency. The solution enhances interference handling in dense wireless networks where multiple UEs operate in close proximity.

Claim 24

Original Legal Text

24. The UE of claim 14, wherein the report of the cross-link interference signal strength measurement is transmitted together with a serving cell measurement report.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing cross-link interference in wireless communication networks, particularly in scenarios where multiple cells operate on overlapping or adjacent frequency bands. The problem addressed is the interference caused by transmissions from neighboring cells that share the same or nearby frequency resources, degrading signal quality and network performance. The invention involves a user equipment (UE) device that measures the strength of cross-link interference signals from neighboring cells and reports this information to the network. The UE combines these interference measurements with its regular serving cell signal quality reports, allowing the network to optimize resource allocation, adjust transmission parameters, and mitigate interference more effectively. This integrated reporting approach reduces signaling overhead while providing the network with comprehensive data to manage interference dynamically. The solution is particularly useful in dense network deployments, such as urban areas or small cell environments, where cross-link interference is a significant challenge. By leveraging existing measurement and reporting mechanisms, the invention enhances network efficiency and user experience without requiring substantial modifications to the UE or network infrastructure.

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Patent Metadata

Filing Date

January 19, 2021

Publication Date

March 26, 2024

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